According to extensive research, sun damage is responsible for 80-90 percent of skin aging and is also the number one cause of Actinic Keratosis (AK). These lesions are red or skin colored rough, scaly patches found on sun exposed areas such as the face, scalp, arms, and hands. They develop in fair-skinned people and if left untreated they can increase in size and develop into skin cancer which requires surgical treatment.

Dr. Fiona Wright, a national leader in the field of non-surgical skin care treatments, was recently interviewed by NBC News Health Report to look at new treatment options- for this very damaging problem.

(If you also would like to view Dr. Wright’s interview with NBC Heath News click here.)

Dr. Wright treats Actinic Keratosis with Photodynamic Photofacial.Her successful treatments are for patients who want to not only avoid surgery for skin cancer, but also want to turn back the hands of time and rejuvenate their skin. Photodynamic Therapy(PDT) has multiple applications. The American Academy of Dermatology lists it as a newer treatment option with better cosmetic outcome than other therapies used to treat widespread AKs.”

During studies conducted by the FDA for the treatment of Actinic Keratosis, patients were asked to rate the cosmetic effects of PDT. More than 90% rated the results as “excellent” or “good.” Studies also showed that there is little risk of scarring or skin discoloration. Patients also noted younger-looking skin! Some light sources and lasers used during PDT are also used to give patients a more youthful appearance. When such a light source or laser is used to treat AKs, patients tend to see a younger-looking complexion. Reports of a decrease in wrinkles, improved skin texture, and reduced pore size are common.

Debbee Poche, a patient of Dr. Wright, was diagnosed with skin cancer 2 years ago and had it surgical removed. Since then, she has had multiple Actinic Keratosis and has had them traditionally treated with topical creams and liquid nitrogen. She was unhappy with the scarring that was left from these treatments and went to visit Dr. Wright to look at other treatment options. After a personal consultation with Dr. Wright, Debbee chose Photodynamic Photofacial to treat her skin and has been thrilled with her results. “I wanted a treatment that would not only treat those lesions you can see, but would also treat those that you cannot see,” Debbee comments. “The extra benefits of improving my skin texture and wrinkles, reducing my redness and brown spots, without the risk of scarring – made it a simple decision for me to make.”

How does Photodynamic Photofacials get rid of Skin Cancer?

By using a special topical solution called Levulan that is activated by a light or laser, abnormal cells are targeted and killed. Levulan is a “smart” solution. It is only absorbed by abnormal cells such as those in pre-cancerous actinic keratosis, sun damaged skin and acne conditions. It is the selectivity of this solution in targeting only the abnormal cells that allows such quick success in restoring your skin to a healthy normal condition. As opposed to “spot” treatments for removing AK’s, Photodynamic Therapy(PDT) improves the entire face or area, and also treats lesions that are not yet visible. By activating the Levulan with PhotoFacial it will also improve your cosmetic outcome by creating one color, better texture, and even skin tones. In addition to the treatment of AKs, PDT is also frequently used for improving Resistant Acne by reducing bacteria, oil production and pore size.

Dr. Wright at Skin M.D. & Beyond offers the most comprehensive and effective Actinic Keratosis Treatment Program using both laser and light sources. These programs, developed by Dr. Wright, use a multifaceted approach for effective treatment of actinic keratosis and for the signs of photoaging. Dr. Wright will provide the best of traditional prescription medical treatments with treatments delivered by cutting edge technology for the best chance of overall improvement. “Sun damage accumulates over the years and we are usually not aware of it (with the exception of obvious sunburn). It takes years for the damage caused by UV exposure to show up on our skin” Dr. Wright states. “ I am excited to offer to my patients a non-surgical approach in a treatment that will usually result in a complete clearance of actinic keratosis and an improvement in overall skin texture, skin tone, and reverse the signs of aging. I myself, have a treatment annually!”